NASA is launching a specialized study team this fall to investigate unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) scientifically. These phenomena are defined as observations of events in the sky that cannot be explained as aircraft or recognized natural occurrences. The study will concentrate on analyzing existing data, developing improved methods for future data collection, and exploring how NASA can enhance scientific understanding of UAPs.
Limited UAP observations currently hinder definitive scientific conclusions. However, understanding such phenomena is critical for national security and air safety. Determining natural causes is a crucial first step in addressing or mitigating these events, aligning with NASA’s commitment to ensuring aviation safety. Importantly, no evidence links UAPs to extraterrestrial origins.
“Scientific discovery is at the heart of what we do,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA. “Our extensive Earth observation tools and expertise empower us to delve deeper into the unknown and advance our understanding.”
While not affiliated with the Department of Defense’s UAP task forces, NASA collaborates broadly across governmental agencies to apply scientific methodologies to UAP research.
Astrophysicist David Spergel, president of the Simons Foundation and former chair of Princeton University’s astrophysics department, will lead NASA’s independent study. Daniel Evans, assistant deputy associate administrator for research at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, will oversee the initiative.
“Our first step is to identify the most reliable data available from diverse sources—civilian, governmental, nonprofit, and private sectors,” Spergel explained. “We’ll determine what additional data is needed and how to analyze it effectively.”
The study, expected to take nine months, will involve experts from science, aeronautics, and data analytics to improve UAP data collection and observations.
“In line with NASA’s commitment to transparency, the findings will be publicly shared,” Evans stated. “All NASA data is accessible to the public, reflecting our dedication to openness and scientific integrity.”
Unrelated to this study, NASA’s astrobiology program continues exploring the origins and potential distribution of life beyond Earth. Efforts range from analyzing water on Mars to studying oceanic worlds like Europa and Titan. Missions such as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, Hubble Space Telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope are searching for habitable exoplanets and biosignatures in distant atmospheres, including technosignatures indicating advanced extraterrestrial technology. These initiatives align with NASA’s broader mission to uncover the secrets of life in the universe.
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